4 Key Customer Behavior Shifts During Year-End Season

During year-end sales, customers’ shopping behavior shifts noticeably. Here are some key behavioral changes to note:

• Increased Price Sensitivity: Consumers are more likely to compare prices, but they’re willing to spend more on products that offer exceptional experiences and added value.

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Flash sales and limited-time offers often create a sense of urgency. Now is the time to capitalize on scarcity and make your products irresistible.

• Higher Expectations for Customer Service: With so many choices available, customers are more inclined to return to brands that offer responsive, personalized assistance throughout their shopping journey.

• Shift to Digital Shopping: As online shopping sees a surge during sales periods, ensuring that your online store is optimized, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate will give you a competitive advantage.

Consumer Confidence & Spending Trends in Malaysia

As the year progresses, consumer behavior tends to follow a familiar pattern. 

According to Malaysia Institute Of Economic Research, consumer confidence consistently drops in Q2 each year.

This decline signals a shift in consumer spending habits. 

In the early months of the year, consumers are energized by post-holiday optimism, leading them to spend more freely. However, as they move into Q2, market uncertainties and a growing sense of caution prompt a slowdown in spending.

As a result, Q2 often becomes the weakest quarter for consumer spending.

In times of uncertainty, consumers naturally prioritise spending with brands they can trust. With market conditions causing hesitation, they gravitate toward brands that offer reliability and reassurance.

For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. 

The dip in spending during Q2 is no surprise—it’s a recurring trend. However, rather than simply awaiting the downturn, businesses should seize this moment to lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Your Chance to Win New Customers

Year-end sales are more than just an opportunity to offer discounts—they’re a chance to make a strong first impression, build trust with new customers, and turn the risk of the Q2 consumer spending dip into an opportunity.

To ensure customers feel confident choosing your brand, here are a few things they expect from you:

• Smooth Experience, Online and Offline: Whether they’re shopping on your website or in-store, providing a consistent and seamless experience across all touchpoints is key. A hassle-free journey makes customers more likely to return.

• Personalised Follow Up: Small gestures, such as a handwritten note or a surprise gift, can go a long way in making customers feel appreciated and strengthen their loyalty to your brand.

• Membership Perks, Anytime, Anywhere: Encourage customers to join your membership program, where they can enjoy personalized discounts and rewards based on their shopping habits. This tailored experience helps make customers feel valued and boosts loyalty.

• Be There Across Multiple Channels: Stay visible across various platforms—online, social media, or in-store. A strong, multi-channel presence keeps your brand top of mind, so when customers are ready to make a purchase, your business is the first they think of.

Creating Top-Tier Customer Journey For 2025 Sales Growth

While we’ve shared some valuable tips so far, our upcoming 2.5-hour in-person session goes much deeper. 

Join us on this 27th Nov, tap into your customers mind with sharing on: 

↪ 8 expert tips to turn first-time shoppers into loyal customers this peak season

↪ 3 proven strategies and case studies to boost customer loyalty in 2025 

↪ 2025 shopping trends and how to engage across every customer touchpoint

↪ Peak-hour SOPs to drive sales through online and retail channels

↪ Holiday financing and inventory forecasting tips and success stories for merchants

Register now and unlock the tools you need for success in the year-end sales season.

EasyStore Unified Commerce Solution

EasyStore is a unified commerce solution that unifies retail and ecommerce business.

Over 50,000 brands have grown their businesses by embracing unified customer experiences (UCX) strategy through EasyStore across multiple sales channels - online store, retail outlets, marketplaces, and social media, ensuring consistency in product and service offerings for a seamless shopping journey.